England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over World Cup co-hosts Mexico sparked wild celebrations among players and supporters alike, though the night took an unfortunate turn for one squad member.
In a breathless last-16 clash at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, July 5, 2026, England claimed one of their most memorable World Cup wins by knocking out the co-hosts in front of a raucous home crowd. The result marked Mexico’s first World Cup defeat at the iconic stadium and sent Thomas Tuchel’s side into the quarter-finals.
The match had no shortage of major moments, including a storm delay that pushed kick-off back by an hour, five goals, two penalties and a red card. England were also forced to dig in for much of the second half after Jarell Quansah was sent off, but they still held on to progress.
Supporters in England stayed up beyond 4am local time to see their side book a place in the last eight.
The result left the squad in high spirits, especially after Jude Bellingham struck twice in the space of just 98 seconds to help seize control of the tie before Harry Kane added a penalty.
After the final whistle, England’s players joined in with fans as Oasis’ Wonderwall rang around the ground, but the post-match celebrations were interrupted when Jordan Henderson required medical attention.
Although the midfielder did not feature in the match and remained an unused substitute, he still went onto the pitch to celebrate alongside his teammates.
During the moment, captain Harry Kane said in his press interview (in which he had lost his voice): “Jordan Hendo just fell over there. I think he’s OK.”
Replay footage later appeared to show the 36-year-old falling while trying to jump an advertising board to reach the pitch. Moments earlier, teammate Dan Burn had made it over the barrier without issue.
“Jordan [Henderson] just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad,” England manager Thomas Tuchel told the BBC after the win.
“It’s a quite serious injury and it doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us. The doctor told me he is in hospital.”
According to the broadcaster, the 36-year-old “is being accompanied by a member of England’s support staff” and will not return with the rest of the squad today.
That injury is expected to leave him unavailable for England’s quarter-final against Norway, who advanced after a shock win over Brazil.
The match is set to be played in Miami on Saturday, with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
Even with confidence in the team, England fans had a few reasons to be uneasy before kick-off.
One concern was the weather. FIFA had reportedly considered moving the match six hours earlier because of thunderstorms nearby, though that idea was quickly dismissed.
Even so, the start of the game was pushed back by an hour after severe weather hit Mexico City.
There was also plenty of noise outside England’s hotel, as Mexico supporters celebrated through the night in scenes many believed were intended to disrupt the players’ rest.
Another challenge was the altitude at the Estadio Azteca. The stadium sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level, where thinner air can make breathing and physical exertion more difficult.
Despite all of that, England came through in style with an outstanding display and a result that will go down as one of their biggest World Cup knockout wins.